Learn to Fly: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Students recognize this song immediately, which means they arrive already invested in nailing the performance. Larry Moore's arrangement captures the song's essential character while giving string players straightforward, rewarding lines that sit naturally on their instruments. It bridges the gap between pop repertoire students actually want to play and the skill-building that matters in a string program.

Soaring and hopeful, with the kind of uncluttered melody that makes ensemble playing feel purposeful. The arrangement respects the original's emotional directness while giving string instruments room to sing and blend.

String orchestras at the intermediate level who want to program contemporary material with strong melodic content. Directors looking to engage students with songs from their own listening experience without compromising musical substance.

• Balance the melody between first and second violins by having your leader clearly mark who carries each phrase during sectional rehearsals; this arrangement splits the tune across both parts.
• Anchor the groove by locking the cello line tight with your bass; this song lives or dies on a steady, confident foundation underneath the soaring upper strings.
• Let the dynamics breathe naturally rather than hitting every marked change mechanically; Grohl's songwriting relies on emotional ebb and flow, so shape the crescendos with intention.

Pair this with a classical or contemporary art music selection on a concert to demonstrate that musical integrity works across genres. It also serves as a strong finale choice because students and audiences connect with it immediately, leaving the concert on a note of genuine satisfaction.

• Playing sustained melodies with clear phrasing across phrase boundaries
• Balancing between divisi sections and maintaining ensemble blend
• Responding to dynamic shapes that serve emotional content rather than technical display
• Collaborating in sectional leadership roles to split complex melodic lines